LEWES PUBLIC LIBRARY
May 2023 | E-Newsletter

Please note the Lewes Public Library is
CLOSED
Wednesday, May 10 and Monday, May 29, 2023

Please visit us anytime at lewes.lib.de.us
Volunteer of the month
Kelly2
Meet our Volunteer of the Month: Kelly Fanto
I started volunteering in 2015 in the old library. I remember bringing my children into the Lewes library regularly and saw Bonnie Williams volunteering. That sparked my desire to one day volunteer myself once my children grew older, as I’ve always loved libraries and books! Wherever I’ve lived, the local library has been a comfort place for me to go.
 
When I started working with the morning transit deliveries, I was amazed to see the number of items that we received each day. It was not just the number, but the variety of items that were available to be checked out from the Delaware library system that surprised me. The number of community programs that the library supports and the meetings that are held there are numerous - and continue to increase. In contrast to the thinking that as technology grew libraries may no longer be relevant, they are instead vibrant and growing!
 
Besides enjoying seeing the titles that pass through and the unusual items that come in (tools, games, puzzles, sheet music…), I think meeting such a nice group of people who work and volunteer here is the greatest benefit I’ve received from volunteering.
Kids & Family
All Programs Are FREE
Families and Children
Storytime
Preschool Story Time
Tuesdays | 10:30 AM
Babies and Toddlers Story Time
Wednesdays | 10:30 AM
Story Time is generously sponsored by Beach Babies Child Care
Under the microscope
Under the Microscope | Fruits and Veggies (Ages 5 - 12)
Thursday, May 4 | 5:30 PM | In-person
Come explore something new each month with our digital microscopes. Take a closer look at what's around your world!
Touch a Truck
Touch-A-Truck | Baker Petroleum Propane Truck (Ages 5 - 12)
Saturday, May 6 | 11:00 AM | In-person
Gather in the library's backyard to get an up-close look at some of the trucks and vehicles in our community, and talk to the people who drive them.
Homeschool Connection_22
Homeschool Connection | Planting the Children's Learning Garden with Lewes in Bloom
Tuesday, May 9 | 1:00 PM | In-person
Come plant the Children's Learning Garden with Lewes in Bloom. Meet at the back of Stango Park!
Monthly program for K - 5th grade homeschool students.
Train_Shoreline
Shoreline Garden Railroad Club Train Display
Saturday, May 13 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
In honor of National Train Day, come check out a model train display from our friends at the Shoreline Garden Railroad Club.
Art Class
Art Classes for Kids (3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday, May 17 | In-person
5:00 PM | Grades K - 2 | Details and registration.
6:00 PM | Grades 3 - 5 | Details and registration.
Registration required.
Storytime_Lewes Farmers Market
Saturdays May 27 through September 2 | 10:00 AM | In-person
Come join us for garden and market themed stories!
Ongoing Family Programs
I Spy
Stop by the kids' room to check out our I Spy display. Find everything and win a prize. New challenges every month!
YouTube_StoryTime
Stay at Home Story Time!
Check out our library story time visits on our YouTube Channel.
Dolly Parton's
Imagination Library
Provides FREE books by mail for children ages birth up to 5, throughout Delaware.
TEENS
Note: Teen programs are for ages 12 - 18 and
registration is required. All programs are FREE.
Tweens and teens
LPL_Teen Advisory Board
Teen Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, May 4 | 6:00 PM | In-person
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is the most influential component of Lewes Library's teen department. TAB decides on programs, movies, books, special events, guidelines, rules, collections, and all other matters involving the teen department.
Art Series
Teen Art Series
Thursday, May 11 | 6:00 PM | In-person
Teen Art Series for grades 6 - 12 introduces a variety of art forms including drawing, painting, and mixed media projects. 
Maze Runner
Teen Movie Night | The Maze Runner (2012)
Friday, May 12 | 6:00 PM | In-person
Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.
Light refreshments will be available.
Stuff_Baby Chicks
Stuff You Want to Know | Baby Chicks
Thursday, May 18 | 6:00 PM | In-person
R.O.O.T.S. Youth Development Program will teach teens about baby chicks! Baby chicks will be brought to class so students can have the opportunity to interact with the chicks. Teens will have the opportunity to hold, pet, and see different breeds of baby chicks.
Teen French and Spanish
NEW - Teen French and Spanish Communications Group
Saturday, May 20 | 12:30 PM | In-person
This group is the perfect opportunity for teenagers to not only practice the language they are studying but immerse themselves and their peers in its culture. This program was developed and led by teenagers that take a foreign language class in high school.
Safe Sitter
Safe Sitter
Tuesday, May 23 and Thursday, May 26
4:00 - 8:00 PM | In-person
Help to prepare your children for a safe summer by enrolling them in Safe Sitter®. Safe Sitter® is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises.
Teen Game Night
Teen Game Night
Wednesday, May 24 | 6:00 PM | In-person
Bring a game from home or pick from one of the library's many, many games. For teens ages 13 - 19.
Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club | A Book Club for High Schoolers
Saturday, May 27 | 10:00 AM | In-person
A full coffee bar and foods will be available for participants.
This month's book is The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
D_D good
Dungeons and Dragons
Saturdays | 12:00 PM | In-person
Experience a fantasy world similar to Lord of the Rings: battle monsters, discover treasures, go on adventures! No previous experience required.
ADULTS
All programs are FREE and, unless indicated otherwise,
you MUST REGISTER to receive instructions for joining the program.
Adult Section
AUTHOR EVENTS
Shakespeare was a woman
Elizabeth Winkler | Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies
Thursday, April 27 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person and Online
Join us as we close out the library's Shakespeare Festival with a conversation with Elizabeth Winkler, author of Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature, a thrillingly provocative investigation into the Shakespeare authorship question, exploring how doubting that William Shakespeare wrote his plays became an act of blasphemy…and who the Bard might really be.
First Lady of WWII
Shannon McKenna Schmidt | The First Lady of World War II
Wednesday, May 3 | 5:00 PM ET | Online
Join us for a conversation with Shannon McKenna Schmidt, author of The First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back, the first book to tell the full story of Eleanor Roosevelt's unprecedented and courageous trip to the Pacific Theater during World War II. Joining Shannon in conversation is Paul Sparrow, the former director of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.
Seaside Library
Brenda Novak | The Seaside Library
Thursday, May 4 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person
Join us for a conversation with Brenda Novak, author of The Seaside Library, a novel about secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart.
Novak will be in conversation with best-selling author Brenda Janowitz. This event includes the opportunity to visit Novak's Traveling Bookstore and mini coffee shop!
After the Lights Go Out
John Vercher | After the Lights Go Out
Thursday, May 18 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person and Online
Join us for a conversation John Vercher, author of After the Lights Go Out, a harrowing and spellbinding story about family, the complications of mixed-race relationships, misplaced loyalties, and the price athletes pay to entertain. This haunting, unflinching look at the aftermath of a career in MMA fighting was named a Booklist Editors' Choice Best Books of 2022 and a Publishers Weekly Best Books of Summer.

Who By Fire
Matti Friedman | Who by Fire
Wednesday, May 31 | 12:00 PM ET | Online
Lunch and learn with us as we have a conversation with Matti Friedman, author of Who by Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai, the little-known story of Leonard Cohen's concert tour to the front lines of the Yom Kippur
Co-sponsored by Seaside Jewish Community.
Author _Save the Date
Marisa de los Santos | Watch Us Shine
Tuesday, June 6 | 5:00 PM ET
Nils Bernstein | The Joy of Oysters
Wednesday, June 7 | 6:00 PM ET
Emily Henry | Happy Place
Thursday, June 8 | 5:00 PM ET
Bob Pisani | Shut Up and Keep Talking
Saturday, June 17 | 5:00 PM ET
Jeffrey Dale Lofton | Red Clay Suzie
Wednesday, June 21 | 5:00 PM
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS
All are welcome to join!
Book Discussion Group
COOKS & BOOKS

Best Appetizers
Monday, May 1
6:30 PM ET | In-person
NATURAL SELECTIONS BOOK CLUB
Gathering Moss
Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Wednesday, May 3
5:00 PM ET
Online & In-person
AAUW NOTABLE
BOOKS DISCUSSION
When we cease to understand
Thursday, May 4
10:00 AM ET
n-person
What are you Going Through
What Are You Going Through? by Sigrid Nunez
Sunday, May 7
1:30 PM ET | In-person & Online
 BOOK & FILM DISCUSSION GROUP
Kindred
Kindred by Octavia Butler
Tuesday, May 23
6:00 PM ET
Online & In-person
LEWES PUBLIC
LIBRARY BOOK CLUB
Klara and the Sun
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Thursday, May 25
4:00 PM ET | In-person
Love Your Mother: A Book Discussion and Climate Conversation
Tuesday, May 9 | 6:30 PM ET | In-person
Join us for a discussion on Love Your Mother: 50 States, 50 Stories, and 50 Women United in Climate Justice by Mallory McDuff. Lisa Locke, Delaware Interfaith Power & Light’s previous executive director and program manager, and the Climate Conversations program she envisioned and developed, are showcased for Delaware.
Lisa will lead a discussion of the inspiring stories in this book and facilitate a climate conversation to explore the creative power of women in advocating for climate justice in Delaware.
Love Your Mother
Book Question
Not Sure What to Read Next?

BookLetters offers a wide variety of reading list choices for adults, children, and young adults. Sign up.

Let us inspire you with our Book Lists for Adults, including print and digital titles.
Discussion GroupA
DISCUSSION GROUPS
Join us for any or all of the stimulating,
interactive groups that will keep you thinking.
Food for Thought
Mondays | 1:30 PM ET | Online & In-Person
NOTE: no meeting May 29
Be prepared to put your brain in high gear for a stimulating, comfortable atmosphere of reasoned interaction.
Wednesday, May 10 | CANCELLED
Wednesday, June 14 | Topical Seminars Year in Review
3:00 PM ET | In-Person
A monthly series of seminars based upon essays with topics including philosophy, arts and literature, science, politics, economics, communications, and much more. Participants read an essay, submit a written response in advance, then join a lively discussion on the posted pieces.
Socrates Café
Thursdays | 11:00 AM ET | Online & In-Person
A discussion group providing an opportunity for people from a variety of backgrounds to share their knowledge and experiences from a philosophical perspective. These meetings promote the sharing and exploration of ideas rather than debating the pros and cons of different viewpoints. The goal is to learn from each other, allowing us to journey beyond our personal limitations and expand our horizons.
Foreign Language GroupA
FOREIGN LANGUAGE CONVERSATION GROUPS

NOTE: these are not traditional classes, but an informal and friendly group of people who already speak some of the language, have studied it, or are taking classes elsewhere.
Registration required.
These groups are made possible by the support of Roy Fitzgerald and Jennie Keith.

English as a Second Language | Clases de Ingles
Tuesdays and Thursday | May 2 through June 15
9:00 AM ET | In-Person
ESL helps non-English or limited English speakers (age 16+) succeed in an English speaking community by providing communication skills and necessary cultural knowledge. For more information, call Greg Hitz at 301-275-0250.
La Biblioteca Pública de Lewes ofrece clases gratuitas en persona este verano en inglés como segundo idioma (ESL). Para obtener más información, llame a Greg Hitz 301-275-0250.
English Conversation Group
Tuesdays | 10:00 AM ET | Online
Last class is May 23
Italian Conversation Group
Wednesday, May 3 and May 17
1:30 PM ET | Online
Spanish Conversation Group
Thursdays | 2:00 PM ET | Online & In-person

French Movie Club Discussion Group
Friday, May 26 | 10:30 AM ET
In-person
Activities
ACTIVITY GROUPS
Registration may be required.
Mah Jongg
Mondays | 1:00 PM ET | In-person
Open to experienced players who follow the National Mah Jongg League rules, and are able to sustain a fast-paced game.
Registration not required. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
Italian Games
Italian Card Games
1st and 3rd Mondays | May 1 and May 15
1:00 PM ET | In-person
Interested in playing or learning to play Briscola or Scopa? Players need not know how to play - we will teach you! Players can bring their own cards and some cards will be provided.
Co-sponsored by The Italian-American Heritage Club of Sussex County.
Poetry Free Write
Poetry Free Write
Mondays | 3:00 PM ET | In-person
NOTE: no meeting on May 29
Explore your writing passion! Writers at all levels are welcome and you do not need to be a member to attend.
Alzheimers
Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group
Tuesdays | 10:00 AM ET | In-person
A support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's or other type of dementia, facilitated by an Alzheimer's Association volunteer.
Free Write
FreeWrite!
Wednesdays | 6:00 PM ET | In-person
NOTE: no meeting on May 10
An informal gathering of writers of ALL skill levels to practice in a friendly and nurturing atmosphere. Registration is not required.
In the Loop
In the Loop: Knitting and Crocheting Group
Thursdays | 3:00 PM ET | In-Person
Join a weekly casual gathering of enthusiasts by the fireplace to work on favorite projects and occasionally help each other.
Craft Club
Craft Club | Handmade Loom
Thursday, May 4 | 1:00 PM ET | In-Person
Join us for a craft workshop offered by local artist Rita Healey. Make a loom out of a hair comb and stiff box, then learn about warping the small loom and how to weave on it. All materials provided.
2021_Needlepoint Group
Needlepoint Group (Third Monday of every month)
May 15 | 10:00 AM ET | In-Person
Join others with an interest in needlepoint. Bring a current project to work on.
KidLit
KidLit Writers' Group
Thursday, May 18 | 6:00 PM ET | Online & In-person
A critique group — not a class — for adults who would like to write for the children’s market. All children’s genres welcome!
Workshop_Discussion
LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS
Registration required.
Whimsical
Whimsical Masterpieces: Pastel Workshop Series
Thursdays, April 27 - June 15 | 1:30 PM ET | In-person
Join us for a fun, engaging, and empowering artistic experience for adults 55+ who would like to investigate their creative potential while building a basic level of mastery using oil pastels.
Registration is limited and you must commit to attending all 8 sessions.
Fireside Chat
Fireside Chats: Exploring the Roosevelt Legacy
Franklin and Winston: A Friendship That Saved the World
Sunday, April 30 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person
Paul Sparrow, former director of the Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, will discuss the historic relationship between Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.

FDR'S Court & The Constitutional Revolution
Sunday, May 7 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person
By the summer of 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt’s historic opportunity to shape American law finally dawned when he made tectonic changes in the makeup of the Supreme Court — he appointed seven justices and elevated an eighth to be Chief Justice. Ronald Collins will discuss this revolutionary era in American constitutional law and its impact on the future of the nation.
Science and Society_Cheaspeake
Science and Society | 2025 and Beyond: Science, Restoration and Partnership of the Chesapeake Bay
Tuesday, May 2 | 5:00 PM ET | Online
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and spans 64,000 square miles, includes over 100,000 rivers, streams, and tributaries, and is home to over 2700 unique species of aquatic and land animals. Dr. Kandis Y. Boyd will present on the nearly 40 year partnership and efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay through science-driven data and collaborative decision-making capabilities.
Whimsical reception
Whimsical Masterpieces: Pastel Workshop Opening Reception Tuesday, May 2 | 7:00 PM ET | In-person
Join us in recognizing the Pastel Workshop participants and viewing their artwork, which will displayed for the month of May. This event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Seagulls
Sussex Bird Club | Everyone’s Favorites: The “Seagulls”
Sunday, May 7 | 2:00 PM ET | In-person and Online
Join The Sussex Bird Club to tackle one of the trickiest birds to identify, seagulls. George Armistead will provide a quick and dirty primer on how to approach identifying one of the more challenging but fascinating avian families. The focus is on species encountered in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Archaeology_Clark Tenant Site
Archaeological Society of Delaware | Archaeological Data Recovery at the Clark Tenant Site
Thursday, May 11 | 7:00 PM ET | In-person
The Archaeological Society of Delaware invites everyone to hear Bill Liebeknecht present on the Clark Tenant Site, DelDot Project at Routes 1 & 16, Milton, Delaware. Learn all about archaeological excavations at this late-eighteenth- to early-nineteenth century site in Sussex County.
Abandoned Railroads of Delmarva
National Train Day with Douglas Poore | Abandoned Railroads of Delmarva
Saturday, May 13 | 2:30 PM ET | In-person
In honor of National Train Day, join us in the library for a conversation with Douglas Poore, author of Abandoned Railroads of Delmarva (America Through Time).
Vietnam Mailbag
Vietnam Mailbag, Voices from the War: 1968 - 1972
Wednesday, May 17 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person
Join us infor a multi-media presentation by journalist Nancy E. Lynch, author of the award-winning book, Vietnam Mailbag, Voices From the War: 1968-1972, and Vietnam veteran Rick Lovekin.
This program is underwritten by a grant from Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Sussex CO Genealogical Society
Sussex County Genealogical Society | Holdings of the Maryland Archives & How to Access Them
Saturday, May 20 | 10:00 AM ET | In-person and Online
Join Sussex County Genealogical Society for a presentation by Rachel Frazier on the Maryland Archives.
Performance
PERFORMANCES AND READINGS
North and South_Music School
The Music School of Delaware Presents North (and South!) of the Border
Friday, May 5 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person
Join us by the fireplace as The Music School of Delaware faculty members, Margaret Swinchoski and Scott Horey explore the sounds of flute and percussion, with music by North and South American composers, along with traditional Mexican music. The program also features the world premiere of a brand-new work for flute and marimba by Delaware’s own J. Andrew Dickenson.
Money School Logo
MONEY SCHOOL CLASSES
Presented The Money School, a program of the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council.
Registration required. Walk-ins welcome, as space allows.
Planning for Required Minimum Distribution
Tuesday, May 2 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person
Medicare Basics in Retirement
Thursday, May 4 | 10:00 AM ET | In-person
Understanding Annuities
Thursday, May 11 | 5:00 PM ET | In-person
The Four Stages of Taxes in Retirement
Wednesday, May 17 | 1:00 PM ET | In-person
The Keys to Managing Social Security and Other Retirement Income Sources
Tuesday, May 23 | 10:30 AM ET | In-person
Friends of the LPL Logo
Wednesday, May 17 | 5:30 PM | Open to the Public
Friends tshirts
Lewes Public Library t-shirts!
The Friends supports the library's collections and programs with the Just Between Friends Shop. Purchase new and used books, and choose from all kinds of swag including the new, short or long sleeve LPL tshirt.
BOOK DONATIONS
Friends accept up to 10 donated books per person. Please review our Book Donation Policy to determine whether we can take the items.
RESOURCES
Drop in Tech Help (First and Third Friday of Every Month)
May 5 and May 19 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET | In-Person
Drop in for help with technology. No appointments are required, and assistance is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dropin Tech Help
Newspaper Archive
Kanopy
Meeting Rooms
Library Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms in the library are available for use by outside groups. Meeting Room Descriptions.
2021_Social Worker_1
Teleservices and Job/Career Help at the Library
In-person at the library | No appointment necessary
Tuesdays and Wednesdays | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A trained staff person is available to help with a variety of social service and other needs.
Services are free, confidential, and available to everyone. More information here.
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Resources
JOB & CAREER: Job Seeker Resources

Looking for a job? Need a career change? This FREE program offers resources designed to help you be successful.
Schedule a FREE 30 minute phone consultation with an Employment/Career Advisor to discuss any questions you have regarding career and related needs.
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Food Pantry_a
LITTLE FREE PANTRY
Located outside the library.
Take what you need, leave what you can.
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Whimsical
Lobby Exhibit | Whimsical Masterpieces: Pastel
View the exhibition in the Library lobby by participants in the Whimsical Masterpieces: Pastel workshop series.
Available during library business hours.
Did you know?
The library is free to use, but running it is not. As an independent library, every year the Lewes Public Library must raise 50% of its annual operating budget.

If you value your local library and appreciate everything it does for your community, your friends, family, and neighbors, please consider supporting the library.